Bow

(iunet, pedjat)

Appearance: Iconoclastically, the bow was typically shown horizontally
with the bow string bound to the mid-section of the bow staff to avoid
its warping under the string's constant pull when not in use. The bow
was the most powerful and effective weapon in the ancient world.

Meaning: From early times the bow was a symbol and attribute of
the warrior goddess Neith and she was often portrayed
holding the weapon.

The bow could also represent whole nations. The enemies of Egypt were
frequently referred to as "The Nine Bows". They were sometimes depicted
as actual bows or personified as ethnically differentiated captives. On
Tutankhamen's sandals, the hieroglyphic sign of the bow is repeated on
the soles, thereby allowing the king to symbolically step on and subjugate
his enemies.

The bow was also depicted held by various gods or kings who hold the
weapon backwards with the string turned toward captives in a gesture of
dominance. In some scenes surrendering enemies are shown holding their
bows over their heads in this manner, perhaps symbolically beneath the
dominance of the victorious Egyptian Pharaoh.